Apple Patents the Mac OS X Dock

[CadCrazy]

In 1999, Apple filed a patent application for what was a “user interface for providing consolidation and access,” in short, the OS X Dock. Only two days ago did the US Patent Office approve it, sources are reporting.

The Dock is a key feature of the graphical user interface (GUI) of Apple OS. The dock is a place where users can place their application shortcuts to launch them more easily and faster, but also to switch between running applications, just like with the taskbar found in Microsoft's Windows. While this is the Dock's main purpose, it also holds folders and stacks of items for enhanced user-accessibility. Items can be dragged away from the Dock, making room for others, so the user's view isn't cluttered, while the Dock's size itself is adjustable.

Apple has long associated the success of its Mac OS X operating system with the usability and the intuitiveness of the Dock we're all so fond of. Not only does the OS X Dock sport a hefty appearance, practically defining the Aqua interface, which uses translucency and reflection effects, but it is also highly customizable, with some software applications being specifically aimed at this.

A summarized description of Apple's invention is available below, from the US Patent Office.

User interface for providing consolidation and access

Abstract

Methods and systems for providing graphical user interfaces are described. To provide greater access and consolidation to frequently used items in the graphical user interface, a userbar is established which includes a plurality of item representations. To permit a greater number of items to reside in the userbar, a magnification function can be provided which magnifies items within the userbar when they are proximate the cursor associated with the graphical user interface.

Inventors credited are Bas Ording, Donald Lindsay, and of course, Apple Chief Exec, Steven P. Jobs. For a detailed view of what Apple calls “The Dock,” see the patent “claims” here.

Source

Now i doubt the future of Avant Window Navigator

[iMav]

^^ Well if the patent was filed wayyyyyyy back in 1999, then there's nothing much you can complain about.

[CadCrazy]

Originally Posted by iMav

^^ Well if the patent was filed wayyyyyyy back in 1999, then there's nothing much you can complain about.

[iMav]

Because from what I see AWN is a post 2005 project so Apple won't be wrong in taking some action against it.

But, rest assured Apple will not go against OSS publicly.

[Indyan]

I dont understand all these legal talk, but is soft like Object Dock and Rocket Dock illegal now?

[infra_red_dude]

If I understand rite, any new "dock" apps (which would come into existence from today) would be illegal.

[Charan]

^^ Mac4Lin does it have a dock?

[NucleusKore]

Mac4Lin, not 2

Are US patents valid outside the US?

[Hitboxx]

I don't think so. It only affects US jurisdictions, AWN devs might want to move out of US or pass the source to someone outside. Such a shame.

[infra_red_dude]

Originally Posted by Charan

^^ Mac2Lin does it have a dock?

No it doesn't

Originally Posted by NucleusKore

Mac4Lin, not 2

Are US patents valid outside the US?

Nope, afaik they are not valid outside US.

[Charan]

lol Mac2Lin , for now on I will try not to post any thing @ 3 AM with sleepy eyes

[casanova]

So, would the other docks go out of development now.

[x3060]

well, good thing that the patents are not valid outside U.S, yeah , mac wont be suing OSS...
but no complaints as they have applied way long back.
regardless, i feel bad .

[iMav]

Originally Posted by casanova

So, would the other docks go out of development now.

No. It's not only AWN and other OSS but Object Dock too that would be under a threat.

[MetalheadGautham]

Big deal. I don't live in USA. Why should I worry ?

And yeah, KDE Plasma is much better than docks, atleast for me. I find docks a bit intrusive.

[NucleusKore]

Now if I remember, Vista Inspirat too has a dock, so do other bricopack themes

[casanova]

I think we should download all the latest available docks. Don't know when they would be taken down.

Can AWN be run on windows.

[MetalheadGautham]

Originally Posted by casanova

I think we should download all the latest available docks. Don't know when they would be taken down.

Can AWN be run on windows.

1. they CANT be taken down. How can US initialise action against taiwanese, chinese, indian, russian and japanese servers ?

2. Yes. If you install a linux compatability layer in windows. I suggest Topologi Linux. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topologilinux

[iMav]

@casanova use Object Dock.

[MetalheadGautham]

Originally Posted by iMav

@casanova use Object Dock.

Object dock is nowhere close to AWN when it comes to features. Infact, AWN rivals the mac dock too, thanks to its insane customisability and available addons.

However, I suggest Object Dock's paid edition if you want something great for windows.

[iMav]

Originally Posted by MetalheadGautham

Object dock is nowhere close to AWN when it comes to features. Infact, AWN rivals the mac dock too, thanks to its insane customisability and available addons.

My apologies for suggesting something inferior.